There’s been a lot of celebration lately. This week, we celebrated our first year of living in London, and yesterday I turned 30 years old (still processing that one). And in a few months we’ll be celebrating three years since we left the USA for life abroad.

Somewhere in the last year, time has got the best of me, and I’ve been blogging a lot less, however in the spirit of this milestone birthday, and anniversary overseas, I thought it would be fun to share what I’ve learned over the last three years. I loved writing this post because it forced me to pause and take a step back to relish in some incredible moments.

As I’ve said many times, living in foreign countries has changed me in so many ways, some good and some bad. So if you’ll indulge me, here are the 30 things I’ve learned since living abroad, in no particular order…

Sea urchin is actually delicious.
Despite all the language barriers I’ve encountered from the last few years, a smile and a “thumbs up” are universal all around world.
Making new friends is only as hard as you make it out to be. Most of the anxiety comes from just showing up. So show up. Go to the parties. Go to the events. I haven’t regretted it once.
Because I often jokingly refer to the last three years as “not real life”, I’ve taken way more chances than I normally would have “in my real life” back in the states. It makes me wonder what more I could have done previously, in my “real life”…
Healthcare systems are different all over the world. And I am so grateful for free healthcare in the UK.
Summer is not pleasant everywhere in the world.
Even after taking more than 40 flights in the last few years, I still truly despise flying to the point where I often feel nauseous before every trip.
That said, train travel is the best travel.
Public transportation is wonderful. I really don’t miss driving much at all…until I have to go grocery shopping.
Living in cities means I have a hard time sleeping in total quiet (and total darkness). Bring on the garbage trucks, car alarms, sirens, etc. - it’s actually comforting.
Not having cell service while traveling can actually be a good thing. Traveling has taught me to be WAY more present and live in the moment. And I think that’s because I’ve been forced to “unplug” so many times.
Paris is still my favorite city in the world. I know that’s really cliche.
Being in uncomfortable situations has happened more in that last three years, than in my entire life. And because of that, I believe I actually handle stress a lot better than I used to.
Setting intentions is everything. We choose to be happy, we choose how we want to experience and deal with life. You can be unhappy anywhere you live in the world, but making a point to seek joy (even in the smallest of places, or on the hardest of days) can change your entire perspective on life. Or at least it has for me.
Teaching English to non-English-speaking students is something everyone should experience. It’s fascinating, humbling and quite hilarious at times.
Although moving from country to country has its challenges, purging feels really good (every single time).
Moreover, living simply is the best way to live. With less stuff comes less stress. You have to release and let things go to make space for new things to come into your life. This is the case both literally and figuratively.
When out and about traveling, ALWAYS CARRY TOILET PAPER.
That said, I’ve become damn good at learning to use a squatter toilet.
There is no such thing as a “normal” way of doing things when you live abroad. Whether it’s the food you eat, words you use, or really anything about daily life. I learned very early on that what is “normal” to me, is not normal to half the world. It’s actually pretty arrogant to assume that my way was the “normal” way to begin with…
Moreover, “breakfast” foods are different all over the world. Hello noodles!
I still miss creamer in my coffee. I also miss regular coffee.
I’ve learned to say “thank you” in more languages than I ever thought possible. And I think that’s pretty freaking cool. No matter where you’re traveling, if there’s one phrase you learn, make it “thank you”. And always say it, especially as a foreigner.
Having a sense of humor is sometimes the only saving grace I have. Living overseas means dealing with a lot: language barriers, cultural differences, getting lost, staring, pointing and so much more. Laughing (when appropriate) is really the best medicine.
In Hong Kong you pay your bills (electricity, water) at the 7-Eleven. That little day-in-the-life activity always made me laugh.
I am way more independent than I thought I was, and stronger too. Yes, I live with my husband, but we are having completely different experiences. He goes to work everyday, and travels monthly. For so much of this journey it’s been me and Roxy, and now, me, Roxy and Emmy. I’ve learned to go out and do stuff on my own. It sounds sad (and sometimes, it is), but it’s mostly been liberating.
Not always having a plan is OK. My husband and I joke that we switched roles when we moved abroad. I used to be WAY more type A personality, with lists and plans and always knowing what was next - and he was the opposite. Now, I live somewhere between rough plans and hoping everything works out for the best. Meh.
Perspective is everything. Pre-moving Lauren was anxious and uptight over everything. Although, I still have my moments, I’ve learned that looking at situations from different perspectives can turn my whole mood around. Like the time I was trapped in Thailand by myself with NO MONEY. None of my credit cards were working, and I couldn’t get money out of the ATM. I literally had nothing but the backpack I flew with. Everything finally worked out after a few hours, and one panic attack in the airport bathroom stall later. But the point is this: I was lucky enough to be in Thailand in the first place. I was lucky to have the opportunity to travel, and experience and do all the things that some people only dream of.
Taking my baby out in public isn’t as scary as I thought it would be. I’ve seen a major difference in the US vs. rest of the world in how (and when) people choose to take their babies out in public. I’ve learned, the more we take Emerson out (and she goes everywhere with us), the better she gets and the more confident we become as parents. Babies are adaptable little creatures. I fundamentally believe that immersing Emerson in our lifestyle from a very early age will aide in her development, long term. Taking her hiking in Africa was probably a little adventurous, but you get the point.
You get out what you put in. Living abroad can be full of amazing opportunities to meet new people, try new things and be a completely different you. But if you don’t get out and explore, or put yourself out there, you’ll never reap the benefits. It’s easy to dwell on the bad days (and there will be lots of bad days), but the world is a big and beautiful place, you just have to get out and discover it!

30 things I've learned in 3 years abroad